| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 35 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 189 | 10g | 8g | 18g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 7g | 6g | 4g | 0.47g |
There’s an old Irish saying that love and a cough cannot be hidden, and the same can arguably be said for one’s affection for a good recipe. Pointed Gourd Soup is a standout in terms of both taste and health benefits, and the unique mix of flavors it brings to the table is nothing short of love at first bite.
An Ode to Ancestral Cuisine
Having grown up in the heart of Boston with a family lineage hailing from the Emerald Isle, there’s a measure of comfort and nostalgia tied to this dish. This soup, with its blend of New England produce and tones of Irish cuisine, strikes a chord of comforting familiarity. It’s like revisiting an old family recipe or, better yet, creating new ones.
Irish Comfort in a Bowl
While the pointed gourd may not be a typical feature in Irish cooking, its mild, slightly sweet flavor melds harmoniously with the robust tastes of onion and garlic. When combined with the humble Irish staples of carrots and celery, and the hearty veggie stock, it results in a soup that feels like a warm, comforting hug on a cold winter’s eve. Plus, the kick of ginger and cayenne elevates the soup to a whole new level of deliciousness. To top it all off, the coconut milk lends a rich, creamy texture, while the cilantro garnish brings a fresh, vibrant contrast.
Health in Every Spoonful
Pointed Gourd Soup isn’t just delightful to taste, it’s also laden with health benefits. Loaded with ginger and turmeric, the soup can potentially aid digestion, lower inflammation, and boost immunity. The pointed gourd is also a powerhouse of potassium and vitamin A.
This humble soup also serves as a heart-friendly dish, with its low sodium and high fibre content. Not to mention, if you’re looking for a vegan-friendly dish or something to compliment your detox diet, this might just be the perfect recipe.
If you’re the type who likes to make a meal out of soups, or if you’re looking for an appetizer to accompany your main course, the Pointed Gourd Soup is an ideal choice. It goes well with a chunk of fresh home-baked Irish soda bread or Irish root vegetable pie. So go ahead and have a crack at this recipe, because who knows? It might just become a favorite in your family, too.
What You’ll Need
- 2 pounds of pointed gourd (also known as parwal), peeled and chopped
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- 1 carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped
- 6 cups vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup coconut milk
- Freshly chopped cilantro for garnish
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and chop up your pointed gourd, onion, apple, carrot, and celery. Mince the garlic and ginger.
Step Two
In a large pot, heat up your vegetable oil over medium heat. Once hot, add in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent.
Step Three
Add in the minced garlic and ginger to the pot, and continue to sauté for about a minute until they become fragrant.
Step Four
Next, add in your chopped pointed gourd, apple, carrot, and celery to the pot. Stir everything together and then let it cook for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Step Five
Pour the vegetable stock into the pot and stir in salt, black pepper, turmeric powder, and cayenne pepper. Let the soup come to a simmer.
Step Six
Reduce heat to low, cover your pot with a lid and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the pointed gourd and other vegetables are tender.
Step Seven
Using an immersion blender (or transferring the soup to a standard blender in batches), purée the soup until it is smooth and creamy.
Step Eight
Return the soup to low heat and stir in the coconut milk until it is well combined. Let the soup heat for a few more minutes.
Step Nine
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with some freshly chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful pointed gourd soup!
